Child's scooter, Y Fliker A1, Yvolution, Dublin/California, designed 2013-2015, manufactured 2020

A folding scooter designed for a child aged at least five years old.

Its is constructed from steel tubing and is painted lime green, with blue detailing. It has a Y-shaped frame and runs on three green plastic wheels. The rider stands on two black rubber gripping platforms on either side of the frame and is propelled forwards by a swaying motion. When unfolded, it is held securely by a pair of spring-screws with blue plastic caps. The handlebars are tipped with textured green handgrips. A blue brake cable runs from a brake located on the left handlebar to the front wheel.

Bicycles are a common mode of wheeled transport that first appeared in the early 19th century. A range of shapes and types of bicycles have since been developed for both adults and children. Although bikes have always been popular with children, in the 21st century their popularity (and that of related products such as scooters) has exploded. They are now seen as a useful means to improve motor skills, balance and co-ordination, and to increase a child’s pram-free travel range and independence. A user will generally progress through stages of size and complexity, such as tricycles and balance bikes, before eventually graduating to a ‘classic’ adult bicycle. The demand has led to a broad market and a flowering of different design approaches for these modes of transport.

Yvolution (aka Yvolve Sports Ltd., previously known as Gyrobike) were established in Dublin in 2013, with products later developed in California. The company produce wheeled toys for all ages, from five years to adult. Yvolution’s best-known product is the innovative Y Fliker Scooter – a three-wheeled scooter with a Y-shaped frame, propelled by the rider shifting their weight from side-to-side. The unusual riding motion combines with sturdy yet smooth-running multi-directional wheels to produce a drifting effect. This, along with the suitability of the model for performing tricks, has made it a successful and popular addition to the range of children’s wheeled vehicles that are available.

The Fliker is marketed for its ability to build balance, strength and confidence in children. It has received a number of awards such as the Creative Play Awards, National Parenting Publications Award and was a finalist in 2015’s Toy of the Year.

B.5-2022